Mag-log inFor the next five minutes, the only sound was that of Luca vigorously striking keys. Then he muttered a quick, "Yes!" and smiled. He turned the screen so that Massimo could better see it."We're in," Luca reported. "Only temporarily, of course—we've got fifteen minutes maximum."Massimo scanned the
"You know what," Massimo said into his cell phone, forcing his tone to stay casual. "You should clean up your place before you go anywhere.""I suppose I could be more thorough," Luca replied. "I don't like how much dust gets caught on the window's curtains.""Better to take care of that before alle
Massimo heard a car approach. He rushed to the windows, hoping that Elena had called a cab.But he didn't see a cab. Instead, he saw a nondescript black van pull up next to a nearby telephone pole. Massimo frowned.It didn't have any of the usual signage, but Massimo could recognize a repurposed FBI
Elena was so frustrated. Because this was the problem, wasn't it? How was she supposed to trust Massimo when he had been lying and sneaking around behind her back?Wasn't that just what her parents used to do? Wasn't Tyler using similarly ridiculous schemes—albeit with more force—to get her at his s
Elena tried to change directions but found herself at a dead end. Worst of all, the aisles were too cramped for her to slip by her step-mother. There was no way to avoid the woman."Are you ready to leave?"Elena hadn't been ready to hear that deep, steady voice again, but between Massimo and her st
Massimo stared at the fuel gauge, as if that would change the fact that the motorcycle didn't have much gas left. At least the damn thing beeped before it was completely empty—getting stranded on a deserted street with no easy way home truly would be the worst way to end this evening-into-morning ad
Elena's blood ran cold. Massimo, oblivious to Elena's racing thoughts, simply moved her hands."Your grip needs to be a little tighter," Massimo observed. "You moved less that time, but you're still flinching when you pull the trigger, which will mess with your aim.""R-right," Elena said slowly. Fo
But then she grabbed her medical bag at a much more familiar, hurried speed and opened the door. She smiled—it was a tight, fake smile."Anyone I should help first?" Elena asked quickly."No," Massimo said simply. "They're all dead."As he saw the smile waver on Elena's face, he realized that wasn't
Elena ignored Massimo's phone. Luca had said backup was on their way—Massimo's subordinates were probably texting him updates. She wasn't surprised someone was trying to reach the Don of All Dons in the middle of this deadly gunfight.Elena waited for her husband to text her back. She stared at her
Massimo resisted the urge to take a breath and pause for a moment. He knew if he didn't say what he wanted to right then and there, he might not say it at all. So he continued on, ignoring the way Elena's focus suddenly sharpened or the way her eyes stayed firmly on him."I cannot make the decision







